Thursday, October 23, 2014

The Circle: October

When Kiki announced that this month's theme for The Circle would be BOOK related, I knew it was going to be a lot of fun! I've read a lot of great books this year and I'm excited to find out what all of you have been reading as well!

I don't expect you to read every word of this post. I decided to provide some short reviews so that you could know more about any book that caught your eye!

-Book of The Year-

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Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin // It's no secret...I loved this book! If you're looking for a step-by-step guide as to HOW TO study the Bible, this is your ticket. I want everyone that I know to read it. This is by far the most helpful book that I have ever read on Bible study and it has changed my entire approach to my daily time in God's Word.


-Just Finished-

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Call Me Zelda by Erika Robuck // Robuck is famous for her fictional biographies. As far as I can tell, she does her homework very well and tries hard to tie in as many pieces of reality as are available. I picked up this book because it seemed perfect for fall and I've really wanted to know more about the Fitzgeralds and specifically, Zelda. This book was moving and eye opening. Tragedy and suffering can accomplish so much and for this couple, the accomplishment came out in words.

By Searching by Isobel Kuhn // This is Isobel's autobiography and it covers her life through her late teens and into her 20's. Raised Christian, she spent much of this time trying to determine whether or not she was going to live by faith. I love hearing about people's journeys, especially after they've come out on the other side of the tough stuff. She turned 20 in 1921. I kept having to remind myself that this woman was facing the world when she did. Paired with the other books I've been reading, this book has opened my eyes to the way things were for "everyday" people back then.


-Currently-

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An Autobiography by Agatha Christie // Christie was born in 1890. For all you Downton fans, that puts her right around the age of Lady Mary! This book has been fantastic. It reads like an eyewitness account of life in the early 1900's. It's less about Agatha and more about everything that was going on around her. Writers will love it because she talks a lot about her influences as a writer.

Save Me the Waltz by Zelda Fitzgerald // I am a huge F. Scott Fitzgerald fan. After reading Robuck's book I knew I had to read Zelda's novel too. I didn't plan to spend my fall reading about women of the early 1900's, but that's the way it worked out and I'm intrigued. I have been taking my time with Zelda's work mainly because I don't want it to end. 

 -Up Next-

Something from THIS list.


-Childhood Favorites-


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Good Morning, Muffin Mouse by Lawrence Di Fiori // If I remember the story correctly, my Mom saw to it that we had several copies of this book. We read it everyday and sometimes several times a day. I'm sure she'll comment with some of the lines...I remember enjoying it because things were orderly and predictable and sure. As it happens, mornings are pretty much my favorite. 

Charlotte's Web by E.B. White // This is the very first chapter book that I ever read. I was in 2nd grade and filled with excitement as I set out to read a book that so many had read before me. I related to Fern and have always looked back on this book and her story with fondness. 

The Face on the Milk Carton by Carolyn B. Cooney // This is the very first series that I got HOOKED on. I was in 5th grade when I found this book in the library and realized that Cooney had a whole shelf of books to work my way through. Shortly after that, it showed up on TV. I got my friends into the series and then my Mom and years later she even bought a copy of the last installment of the series when it was realized. I've tried to read that last book several times, but I never actually have because I don't want the series to be "over"! 


-Deserted Island-

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The Reformation Study Bible // This is my closest companion and I couldn't imagine being on a deserted island without it! I'd probably spend a lot of time in the Psalms and Ruth and Isaiah and Ephesians. Deserted island or not, somethings don't really change. 

-Favorite Author-

One last author that deserves attention is Mary Higgins Clark. She is by far my favorite author. She is famous for writing mysteries that are intriguing, challenging, and clean. My favorites are "Remember Me", "A Mount Vernon Love Story" and "Kitchen Privileges: A Memoir". Honestly, any of her books are enjoyable! 

I'd love to hear about your favorite books and authors!

Be sure to link up with Kiki and her co-host Anne for this month's edition of The Circle.

13 comments:

  1. Gosh, there are just way too many good books from childhood, aren't there? How could I not have mentioned Charlotte's Web?! And I forgot all about the Face on the Milk Carton - I love psychological mysteries (like the "just finished' one that I listed in my post!) and perhaps this is where it all started...

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  2. Oh, if I had time. to tell you my favourites. :) I heard Woman of the Word is an excellent book. And I'll have to check out the Reformation Study Bible too. I'll have to check out the Face on the Milk Box. I think my oldest would like it.

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  3. Your Childhood book picks took me back! I loved Charlotte's Web and also The Face on the Milk Carton. I had forgotten about that one! And Women of the Word sounds intriguing and very helpful!

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  4. Your childhood picks are adorable! I loved those books! :)

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  5. I just added Women of the Word to my Goodreads! It sounds fabulous. I need to read Call Me Zelda. I went on a 1920s kick earlier this year and read Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald, and then I read The Paris Wife, and then I read Hemingway's A Moveable Feast AND The Sun Also Rises. AND I watched Midnight in Paris. Ha! Crazy. So interesting, though. I think that Agatha Christie bio sounds interesting too.

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  6. I found your blog thru Robyn's daily reads section, and I use Engageya too! How do I get it under every post? Mine just appears at the end of my blog! I love your blog title, by the way :)

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  7. Agatha!! I love her so much, and I've only read one book by her - a not well known book - The Man in the Brown Suit. I have, however, seen a few Miss Marple episodes. I'm going to look into this book!

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  8. you always pick such good books! that women of the word! i WANT to read that!

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  9. you always pick such great books!
    that women of the word, i want to read it!!!

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  10. Wait, how have I not heard of The Face on the Milk Carton before now? I'm not sure I could've read it when I was younger, but it sounds really interesting! I'm with Amy, how do you always pick so many great reads? :)

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  11. I had completely forgotten about The Face on the Milk Carton series! So good! Thanks for reminding me of those :)

    Also, I need to read Call Me Zelda!

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  12. Charlotte's Web is a classic!!! Did you see the animated version? I was pretty young, but I think it was very very close to the book.

    I also enjoyed the series that started with, "The Face on the Milk Carton." I mean, it was such an unlikely scenario, but so exciting!

    Women of the Word sounds great!

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  13. oh my goodness!!! I remember "The Face on the Milk Carton"!!! I really enjoyed that book! but I had no idea it was a series and on tv!? Wow! I need to go find that!!

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